Evangelism

According to John 1:3, "All things were made through him [i.e., the Word, the Lord Jesus Christ], and without him was not any thing made that was made." Here is a reference back to Genesis where it is clear that "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). Putting to two passages together, it is obvious that Jesus is God and that He is responsible for the creation of the world and all that is in it. Into this world He created and then placed first Adam and then Eve. He created them perfectly, placed them in a perfect Garden, gave them a perfect relationship with one another, and finally granted them perfect fellowship with Him. However, when temptation came, Adam rebelled against God in spite of his perfect environment. In creation both Adam and Eve walked in the light of perfect communion with God, but sin brought spiritual darkness into their lives and into the lives of all their descendents. It is into this world filled with spiritual darkness that Jesus came, "the Word made flesh" (John 1:14). Speaking to the multitudes in John 8:12 He said this concerning Himself and His ability to bring into light those who walk in the darkness of sin: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

In these words the gospel is clearly seen. First note that, indeed, those who have not come to Christ walk in darkness. The great need of your life is not to have more material possessions. It is not to have great health. Neither is your greatest need to have a wonderful family. Your greatest need is to come out of spiritual darkness to the spiritual light of the Lord Jesus Christ. Your greatest need is to have your sin forgiven. How can this happen? Jesus indicates that He is the light of the world. He is the only One who can bring you out of darkness and into the light. Therefore, to come out of darkness and into the light is to come to Christ. How does the Lord say that this can happen? He says, "Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." The call to follow here is a call to all that is involved in a truly saving faith. For example, when Jesus called Matthew to salvation He did so with by saying to him, "Follow me" (Matthew 9:9). Matthew immediately left the tax tables where he made a grand income, and began following Christ. Here in John 8, Jesus likewise calls on people to follow Him. We learn then that true saving faith turns from sin to the Savior. Saving faith repents of sin and begins to follow Christ. It is true that you cannot do anything to gain heaven, but when the Lord calls you to Himself, He changes your heart, brings you to the place of repentance and faith, and sets you on a new path, a path that follows the Light, the Lord Jesus. Have you come out of darkness into the light of life through faith in Christ? If not, trust Him today.

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Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen (Jude 24-25)